19 And I hope, in the Lord Jesus, Timotheus to send quickly to you, that I also may be of good spirit, having known the things concerning you, 20 for I have no one like-minded, who sincerely for the things concerning you will care, 21 for the whole seek their own things, not the things of the Christ Jesus, 22 and the proof of him ye know, that as a child 'serveth' a father, with me he did serve in regard to the good news; 23 him, indeed, therefore, I hope to send, when I may see through the things concerning me—immediately; 24 and I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall quickly come. 25 And I thought 'it' necessary Epaphroditus—my brother, and fellow-workman, and fellow-soldier, and your apostle and servant to my need—to send unto you, 26 seeing he was longing after you all, and in heaviness, because ye heard that he ailed, 27 for he also ailed nigh to death, but God did deal kindly with him, and not with him only, but also with me, that sorrow upon sorrow I might not have. 28 The more eagerly, therefore, I did send him, that having seen him again ye may rejoice, and I may be the less sorrowful; 29 receive him, therefore, in the Lord, with all joy, and hold such in honour, 30 because on account of the work of the Christ he drew near to death, having hazarded the life that he might fill up your deficiency of service unto me.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 2:19-30
Commentary on Philippians 2:19-30
(Read Philippians 2:19-30)
It is best with us, when our duty becomes natural to us. Naturally, that is, sincerely, and not in pretence only; with a willing heart and upright views. We are apt to prefer our own credit, ease, and safety, before truth, holiness, and duty; but Timothy did not so. Paul desired liberty, not that he might take pleasure, but that he might do good. Epaphroditus was willing to go to the Philippians, that he might be comforted with those who had sorrowed for him when he was sick. It seems, his illness was caused by the work of God. The apostle urges them to love him the more on that account. It is doubly pleasant to have our mercies restored by God, after great danger of their removal; and this should make them more valued. What is given in answer to prayer, should be received with great thankfulness and joy.